Software Design & Development
Your Course
This two-year (Level 9) MSc is aimed at candidates with little or no information technology (IT) experience who want to pursue a career in the IT industry. The skills developed in this programme include the core software development tools and techniques as well as a solid grounding in research and its application in a specific information and communications technology (ICT) domain.
The first year follows the normal academic cycle of lectures and laboratory sessions/tutorials, and provides students with a thorough foundation in IT skills. Time will also be spent on developing research interests/skills to prepare students for their second year, during which they will conduct a research project and submit a thesis on their findings.
Subjects taught
The programme's modules comprise:
• Databases;
• Software Engineering;
• Algorithms and Logical Methods;
• Object-Oriented Programming;
• Internet Programming;
• Computer Architecture and Operating Systems;
• Computer Communications.
Entry requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements
Candidates must have a minimum 2.1 honours (Level 8) undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualification). If applicable, applicants require a GPA score of 3.0 (or equivalent international qualification).
English Language Proficiency: Overall, entry to the MSc requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6.5 in the writing ability category and no less than 6.0 in the other categories.
Application dates
WHEN TO APPLY: NUI Galway does not set a deadline for receipt of applications (with some exceptions). Offers will be issued on a continuous basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Duration
2 years, full-time. Students can choose to exit the programme with a HDip upon successful completion of Year One.
Post Course Info
Career Opportunities
A variety of opportunities are open to graduates in the software industry or in a range of other sectors, such as telecommunications, medical informatics, energy informatics, digital media, banking, and consulting. Many graduates continue with careers related to their specialised field of research. Companies/organisations that have recruited graduates recently include Fidelity Investments, Galway; Cisco, Galway; SAP, Galway; Hewlett Packard, Galway; and Ericsson, Athlone.